New laws will help provide easier, faster access to emergency contact info

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. John Proos supported legislation, recently signed by the governor, to help make emergency contact information accessible to law enforcement and first responders in a timely manner.

“Time is of the essence in an emergency, and these new laws could make it easier for emergency responders to contact family members after an accident,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “Faster access to emergency contacts could allow family members to quickly provide responders with critical medical information and give families more time to make important medical decisions.”

Public Acts 4 and 5 of 2016 allow the Michigan secretary of state to add emergency contact information to a driver’s license or state-issued personal identification card.

The new laws define “emergency contact information” as the name, telephone number and address of an individual whom the licensee wishes to be contacted in the event of an emergency. The information would only be added to the license or personal state ID card if requested by the licensee or card holder.

“In the end, this is about saving lives and protecting our families,” Proos said. “The new laws will help law enforcement get vital information in a medical emergency and offer peace of mind to families with loved ones suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.”

The emergency contact information will be available by Jan. 1, 2017.

###

Editor’s note: Audio comments by Proos will be available on the senator’s website at www.SenatorJohnProos.com. Click on “Audio” under the Media Center tab.